Good test data design: which of the following is NOT a characteristic of effective preliminary test data for validating a system?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: users do not participate at this preliminary stage

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
High-quality test data ensures that systems are validated against real-world scenarios. Involving users early and aiming for comprehensive coverage reduce production defects.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Goal: identify the statement that is not a characteristic of good test data.
  • Good practices include coverage breadth and execution of all logic where practical.


Concept / Approach:
Users provide domain scenarios, edge cases, and acceptance criteria. Test data should be comprehensive (positive, negative, boundary, and exception) and strive for high code/branch coverage to exercise every statement or path feasibly.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Option B (comprehensiveness) aligns with best practices.Option C (execute every statement) reflects a strong coverage target.Option A (no user participation) contradicts best practice; user involvement is beneficial even early.


Verification / Alternative check:
User acceptance testing and shift-left QA emphasize earlier user engagement to refine data sets and reduce defects.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Comprehensive datasets and high execution coverage are hallmarks of effective testing; dismissing user involvement degrades realism and acceptance.



Common Pitfalls:
Using only synthetic data that misses real edge cases; not anonymizing production-like data; ignoring negative and boundary conditions.



Final Answer:
users do not participate at this preliminary stage

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